Bihar News

Bihar Board Releases Diploma in Elementary Education Admission Notification For 2026-2028

Eligibility requires 50% in Higher Secondary, with relaxations for reserved categories. Urdu Maulvi exam pass candidates are also eligible. Minimum age is 17 years.

BTSC Bihar Staff Nurse Result 2025 Released Today For Over 11,000 Positions

Candidates who appeared for the BTSC staff nurse exam can check their pass or fail status online using their registered mobile number and password once results are published on the official website.

7,400 HIV Cases In Bihars Sitamarhi Trigger Alarm, Over 400 Children Affected

According to the doctors, these cases largely involve families where one or both parents are HIV-positive, resulting in transmission at birth.

Kerala Main Normal Scene: Mans Clean & Green Bihar Highway Video Has Internet Saying AI Wala Hai

The narrator added that it felt like a sea shore and people could enjoy the view while travelling.

Opposition bats for electoral reforms in House

NEW DELHI: Backing Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhis call for electoral reform, several Opposition MPs on Wednesday pushed for cleaner and more transparent systems. Their key demands included machine-readable voter lists, a reversal of the 45-day CCTV data wipe-out rule, greater access to EVMs, and an overhaul of what they described as laws that let election commissioners act with impunity. On the second day of the Lok Sabha debate on Electoral Reforms, Congress MP K. C. Venugopal accused the government of influencing the Election Commission and said the poll body was behaving like an election agent of the ruling BJP, buckling under its pressure. Venugopal pointed to several recent Commission decisions that, according to him, showed clear partisanship. In a digital era, he asked, why were machine-readable electoral rolls still not being created? He also reminded the House that a Supreme Court bench led by now-retired Justice K. M. Joseph had directed that, until Parliament passed a law on the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners, the selection panel must include the PM, the CJI, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. But when the government finally brought a Bill, it proposed a committee in which the Prime Minister would chair, joined by a Union minister chosen by him and the Leader of the Opposition. Parliament passed that version. Venugopal questioned why the CJI was excluded and sought an explanation from the law minister. Holding up a copy of the ECs 2004 SIR orders, he noted that the earlier guidelines gave six months for the exercise. What was the urgency that the current SIR process needs to be completed within just two months? he asked. From the Trinamool Congress, Satabdi Roy attacked the government for turning the once-respectful word sir into a Gabbar Singh-like fearful figure that amounts to torture for the voters. She declared that, however much the BJP shouts SIR, SIR, SIR, the people of Bengal would stand with madam, referring to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Questioning the aim of the special revision of electoral rolls in 12 states and UTs, she said, These people know nothing about West Bengal You may have won Bihar, but you cannot win West Bengal. DMK leader T M Selvaganapathi said the government was trying to control independent institutions, claiming the current SIR exercise was illegal and unconstitutional without Parliaments approval. SP MP Dimple Yadav called for a return to ballot papers and accused the EC of following government directions.

BJP hits back, says paper ballot will bring back booth capturing

NEW DELHI: In a rebuttal to opposition parties vociferous demand on reverting to paper ballot elections, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad on Wednesday said it would mean going back to the days of booth capturing. Participating in a debate in Lok Sabha on election reforms, the former Union law minister said the opposition should not talk of returning to the old ballot paper system. There are at least two dozen Supreme Court and high court judgments validating the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs), he said. Prasad recalled that the Election Commission had invited parties to hack EVMs in its presence, but none turned up. Now they are raising hue and cry against EVMs, he said. Prasad also noted that after the recent Bihar elections, not one plea was received to check the micro-controllers of EVMs. The government has repeatedly ruled out going back to the ballot paper system as EVMs have made the election process faster and safer, Prasad said . Responding to KC Venugopals charges on removing CJI from the panel of selecting election commissioners, the BJP MP said when an elected government headed by the prime minister can be trusted with the nuclear button, why cant it be the case when selecting a good CEC or EC. He wondered why the judiciary should be included in everything when the legislature in its wisdom has passed a law with a selection committee that excluded the CJI. Participating in the debate, Union Minister and Apna Dal (S) leader Anupriya Patel said the opposition parties were making an issue out of the SIR and targeting the EC out of frustration over losing successive elections. You are very creative. Every election you make different claims such as the Constitution being under attack, reservations being taken away and vote chori (vote theft). You are hurt and because you lost the elections after all this, Patel said. Congress claimed 65 lakh votes were deleted in Bihar during the SIR without any reason. It is strange, because no one complained about it. At least 65 persons should have come forward with claims of wrongful deletions. This year, Bihar rejected their politics of fear, Patel said. There is no strength in their argument that the SIR exercise is being carried out in a hurried manner because elections are still six months away in most states, she said.

Delay in power projects will not be tolerated: BSPHCL CMD

City air quality improves, but Samanpura remains concern

Honey couple of tribal-dominated West Champaran area make decent earning through beekeeping

In the heart of West Champaran, Suman Devi has turned her passion for beekeeping into a thriving business, earning lakhs each year from her exquisite honey. Her innovative approach and tireless dedication have sparked a movement, empowering 60 local women to forge their own paths to financial freedom through beekeeping.

Mock exercise conducted at Patna airport

Shivanand criticises Tejashwi for disappearing after poll defeat

Senior RJD stalwart Shivanand Tiwari has openly condemned Tejashwi Prasad Yadav for his lack of presence following the party's electoral setback. Tiwari has called on the Leader of Opposition to step back into the fray, engage directly with party members, and embark on a statewide journey to rejuvenate their spirits.

AI-based CCTV cameras to be installed across state: Dy CM

Bihar is gearing up for a security revolution, with the implementation of cutting-edge AI-driven CCTV cameras across the state. This advancement comes hand in hand with a decisive action against predatory 'gunda banks' that have been fleecing residents with outrageous interest rates.

Man dies after falling off moving train in Buxar

Campaign drives youth leadership, entrepreneurship, women empowerment and health outreach

The 'Let's Inspire Bihar' campaign is on a transformative journey, setting up free educational hubs in 15 districts while empowering over 600 startups. Spearheaded by IPS officer Vikas Vaibhav, this initiative focuses on nurturing education, entrepreneurship, and community growth throughout Bihar. Exciting national programs and local initiatives are on the horizon to amplify its influence and success.

Lawyers empanelled as SPP for I-T cases

Man found murdered near railway track in Saran

Katihar man held in Rs5 crore extortion threat case

EOU forms STF to crack down on sand, land mafias

CS: Prepare list of experts for Bihars new-age economy push

In a bold move toward modernization, Bihar's Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit has called upon a high-level committee to pinpoint pioneering individuals by December 25th. These leaders will play a crucial role in transforming the state into a cutting-edge economic powerhouse, tapping into Bihar's abundant talent and the recent surge in investor enthusiasm.

ED attaches assets worth Rs 1 crore of former DIG

In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate has provisionally seized assets totaling Rs 1.52 crore linked to former Bihar DIG Shivendra Priyadarshi. Findings from the investigation indicate that he accrued considerable wealth through corrupt means during his tenure.

Fast-track projects marked during Pragati Yatra: CM

In a spirited call to action, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has directed government departments to accelerate the rollout of new initiatives identified during his Pragati Yatra, backed by a substantial allocation of Rs 50,000 crore.

Ex-JD(U) functionary shot dead over land dispute in Begusarai

Normalisation of IndiGo flights expected after Dec 15: Official

IndiGo's flight cancellations at Patna airport are nearing resolution. Authorities have reported that normal operations will resume after December 15, following a nationwide technical glitch that caused the delays. Although the majority of flights are back on track, a few may still experience disruptions until final inspections are completed.

Buxar MLA inspects hospital, crematorium

In response to community concerns over inadequate healthcare services, Buxar MLA Anand Mishra took a proactive approach by visiting the sadar hospital and mukti dham. After thorough discussions with the medical staff and assessing the facilities, he announced a deadline of December 18 to address critical shortcomings.

Maharashtra nears Maoist elimination as 11 top cadres surrender in Gadchiroli

MUMBAI: Maharashtra moves closer to eliminating the Maoist threat by March 2026 as 11 senior Maoist cadres, including four commanders with a combined bounty of Rs 82 lakh, surrendered before state police chief Rashmi Shukla in Gadchiroli. Among the surrendered leaders were divisional committee members Ramesh alias Baju Lekami and Bhima alias Kiran Hidma Kowasi. Lekami, associated with the movement since 2004, served as president of the Edasgondi Gaon Panchayat Janatana Sarkar before becoming a divisional committee member in Bhamragad. Kowasi joined the Maoist ranks in 1998 and became a divisional committee member in 2019. Gadchiroli police said the surrenders deliver a major blow to Maoists in the Dandakaranya region, spanning Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Telangana, marking one of the biggest successes since the surrender of Maoist Politburo member Bhupathi alias Mallojula Venugopal Rao in October, along with 60 others. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had handed over a copy of the Indian Constitution instead of weapons during that program. Police Chief Shukla described the fresh surrender as the beginning of the end of Maoism in Gadchiroli and reaffirmed the commitment to the Union governments March 31, 2026, deadline to eliminate the Left-wing insurgency. She said 112 Maoists have surrendered in Gadchiroli this year alone. The surrender ceremony at Eklavya Hall also saw officers and personnel of the elite C-60 anti-Naxal unit felicitated for operations in the remote Laheri forest, which led to 61 Maoists surrendering and the recovery of 54 firearms. Other surrendered Maoists included Poriye alias Lucky Adama Gota, Ratan alias Sanna Masu Oyam, Kamala alias Rago Iriya Veladi, Poriye alias Kumari Bhima Veladi, Ramaji alias Mura Lacchu Pungati, Sonu Podiyam alias Ajay Sanu Kato, Prakash alias Pandu Kundra Pungati, Sita alias Jaini Tonde Pallo, and Sainath Shankar Made. The surrenders follow intensified anti-Maoist operations across India, with security forces killing over 270 Maoists in the past year in Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. So far, more than 1,225 Maoists have surrendered, and 680, including top leaders, have been arrested. The killing of Maoist chief Nambala Kesava Rao, alias Basavaraju, on May 20, marked a major milestone in the fight against the insurgency. According to the Union government, the number of Left-Wing insurgency-affected districts has fallen from 18 in April to 11, signalling significant progress in curbing the movement.

BTSC Bihar Staff Nurse result 2025 to be released tomorrow for 11,389 posts at btsc.bihar.gov.in: Check steps to download here

The Bihar Technical Service Commission will release the Staff Nurse recruitment results tomorrow. Candidates can check their scores for 11,389 vacancies on the official website. The Computer-Based Test was conducted in July and August 2025. The results will indicate if candidates have passed. This is a significant opportunity for nursing aspirants in Bihar.

Amit Shah refutes Opposition's 'vote chori' charges in Lok Sabha; Rahul Gandhi challenges him to debate

Speaking during the discussion on electoral reforms in Lok Sabha, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the BJP-led Centre had not agreed to the Opposition's demands for a debate on the SIR due to technical reasons. For two days, we told the Opposition that this should be discussed later, after two Sessions. But they didn't relent. We agreed...Why did we say 'No'? There were two reasons for the 'No'. One, they wanted a discussion on SIR. I am very clear that there cannot be a discussion on SIR in this House. SIR is the responsibility of the Election Commission. India's EC and CEC do not work under the Government. If discussion is held and questions are raised, who will answer it? the minister said. When they said that they are ready to discuss electoral reforms, we agreed immediately... he added. He also refuted allegations of vote chori raised by Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. In his press conference, the LoP levelled allegations that the voter list is not corrected and needs to be rectified. So, what is SIR? It is the procedure to sanitise the voter list...Double standards won't work in a democracy. When you win, EC is great. When you lose, EC is useless and works at BJP's behest... Amit Shah said. Intervening during the speech, Rahul Gandhi said, It's a good idea. Let's have a debate on my press conferences...Amit Shah ji, I challenge you to have a debate on my press conferences. Targeting the Congress, Amit Shah cited three instances of alleged vote chori by Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. Post Independence, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was backed by 28 persons while Jawaharlal Nehru by two persons and yet Nehru became the prime minister, this was vote chori, he said. The minister said that the second vote chori was by Indira Gandhi, when she granted herself immunity after court set aside her election. He said the dispute of third vote chori has just reached civil courts on how Sonia Gandhi became a voter before becoming citizen of India. Congress MP KC Venugopal slammed the remark noting that Shah has commented on a matter pending in the court. The court dismissed the plea saying there was no substance in it, Venugopal said. He asserted that Sonia Gandhi had not voted before becoming a citizen and challenged Amit Shah to prove it wrong. Further training his guns on the Congress, Shah alleged that the reason for its poll losses was its leadership. If someone asks a question in a presser he is dubbed as a BJP agent, if they lose a case, they accuse the judge, if they lose an election, they blame EVMs. Now when EVM blame does not hold, they brought up vote chori...still they lost Bhar. Now the reason for your defeat is your leadership and not EVM or voters' list, the home minister said. They think no one holds them accountable, 'bhagwan kare, I am proved wrong and one day Congress workers seek their accountability, he said. Shah also accused the Opposition of spreading falsehoods on SIR and launched a strong defence of the exercise, asking whether democracy can be safe when the prime minister and the chief ministers are decided by infiltrators. He alleged the Opposition gets angry when we talk of history, but how can any country or society move forward without history. The first SIR was conducted in 1952, when Jawaharlal Nehru was the prime minister and the Congress was in power. Then it happened in 1957 when Nehru was there, the third happened in 1961 and Nehru was there. Then it happened during Lal Bahadur Shastri's time, then again during Indira Gandhi's time, Rajiv Gandhi's time, Narasimha Rao's time, and then in 2002 during Atal Bihari Vajpayee's time which continued till Manmohan Singh's time, he said. No party had opposed this process because it is a process of keeping elections clean and keeping democracy healthy, Shah said. He said the objective of the SIR of electoral rolls is to remove those who have died, add the names of those who have turned 18 and delete foreign nationals one by one. I want to say to the House and people -- Can a country's democracy be safe when the prime minister and the chief minister are decided by 'ghuspathiye', Shah said. The BJP leader said the Opposition thinks that it is tarnishing the image of the government but in reality they are tarnishing the image of India's democracy. They kept on doing vote chori, vote chori, and took out 'ghuspathiye bachao yatra' and we won by 2/3rd majority in Bihar, he alleged. The new tradition is that if they lose, they defame the EC and electoral rolls which is not good for the country's democracy. If electoral rolls were corrupted, why did you contest elections, Shah asked the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. He said the BJP has lost more elections than it has won, but it never questioned the Election Commission. EVMs stopped election chori and that is why they are worried. Their method of election was not mandate but corrupt practices, and they have been fully exposed, he said. Opposition worried as people of country do not vote for them and SIR will delete names of illegal immigrants who back them, he said. When the opposition MPs walked out later, Shah said no matter how many times the Opposition boycotts, the NDA will continue with its policy of detect, delete and deport 'ghuspathiye'. The Opposition wants to normalise and formalise the 'ghuspathiye' and add them in the electoral rolls, he said. (With inputs from PTI)

Bihar government cracks down on land mafia as Dy CM warns officials of strict action

PATNA: The newly formed Bihar government has started tightening its noose around land mafias operating in the state. Deputy Chief Minister and state land revenue and reforms minister Vijay Kumar Sinha on Wednesday warned department officers and employees of stern action if they were found colluding with land mafias. Addressing a press conference at his official chamber, Sinha said reports had emerged about some departmental officers and employees having a nexus with land mafias. Nobody will be spared, whosoever they may be, he told the media. Strict action will be taken against any official found involved in such activities, he said, adding that their offices would not function for personal gain. Some within the department were colluding with land mafia, and action was certain against such white-collar individuals. He said meetings would be held at fixed times in every panchayat, with close monitoring of employee attendance. So far, 46 lakh people had applied regarding land-related matters, of which approximately 12 lakh cases had been resolved and uploaded to the portal. The minister stated that land disputes were the biggest problem in Bihar, and the government was working on a war footing to resolve them. Mutation and rectification of land records would be the department's top priority. Weekly reviews would be conducted in all districts, and timely completion of work made mandatory. Any officer rejecting an application must provide a valid reason, which would also be verified. He said strict action would be taken against those committing fraud using fake documents. A special flying squad has been formed to monitor such fraudulent activities. Warning to officials: The office will not be in your pocket Sinha stated firmly that no officers office would run as if its in their pocket. Regular meetings would be held in every panchayat, and employee attendance strictly monitored. Land Reforms Dialogue to begin on December 12 The government will launch a new programme called Land Reforms Dialogue on December 12 in Patna, with another session in Lakhisarai on December 15. The programme will run from 10 am to 12 pm, offering on-the-spot solutions to land-related grievances brought by citizens. He said stern action would be taken against anyone encroaching on government land. The word bulldozer inspires confidence among people. We need to instill fear of this word in their hearts, he said, adding that even stricter action than bulldozers would be used if wrongdoing was detected. After March, a special campaign will be launched across Bihar to free government land from encroachment, he added. Last week, the state government proposed the creation of 100 fast-track courts to dispose of pending land-related cases.

Former IG Amitabh Thakur held by Lucknow police in fraud case in Deoria

LUCKNOW: Former IG and Chief of Azad Adhikar Sena Amitabh Thakur was picked up by Uttar Pradesh Police from SitapurMaholi border while he was on his way to Delhi from Lucknow on Wednesday. Police officers in plain clothes boarded the train and took him off in connection with an alleged case of fraud and cheating to secure an industrial plot in Deoria by misusing his official position in 1999. Police action came after the ex-cop did not cooperate with the investigation. Amitabh Thakur and his wife Nutan Thakurs X accounts have also been suspended. The case began after Sanjay Sharma of Rajajipuram filed a complaint alleging that Thakurs wife, Nutan Thakur, obtained Industrial Plot No. B-2 at the District Industries Centre in Deoria district of eastern UP using a fake name Nootan Devi, a forged husbands name, and a false Bihar address. She allegedly created forged application forms, affidavits and transfer deeds, while Amitabh Thakur allegedly used his official position to support the fraud. The police sources claimed that the said plot was later sold by Thakurs using their real identities. An FIR under relevant IPC sections related to cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy was registered at Talkatora police station in September, this year on the basis of a complaint submitted by Sanjay Sharma, a resident of Talkatora. The case is being investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Lucknow Police currently. As per Lucknow Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Vishwajeet Srivastava, Amitabh Thakurs arrest came through on the basis of the evidence collected during the probe. He will be produced before the Deoria court as the incident took place there, said the officer. To ensure a fair and transparent investigation, DCP Srivastava constituted the SIT. The police sources said that as part of the probe, the team gathered documentary evidence from Deoria, verified the alleged false identities and addresses in Bihar, examined official records, and questioned multiple witnesses. In March 2021, Thakur, a 1992-batch IPS officer, was given pre-mature retirement from the service by the Union Home Ministry. According to police, complainant Sanjay Sharma alleged that when Thakur was posted as Deoria SP in 1999, his wife secured the allotment of an industrial plot from the District Industries Centre. The complaint further alleged that the plot was later sold using the couples real names and address, thereby, keeping government agencies, banks, and other stakeholders in the dark for a long period. The police sources claimed that the SIT found sufficient evidence to proceed against the accused.

Bihar Man Rescues Orphan Girl Begging In Train, Marries Her: Perfect For Akshay Kumars Next

Golu Yadav reportedly met a young orphan girl while travelling by train.

Jaya Bachchan demands dedicated emergency lanes for ambulances

NEW DELHI: Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan on Wednesday demanded dedicated emergency lanes on roads for ambulance movement, saying that in India, groceries reach doorsteps in under 15 minutes, pizzas in 30 minutes, but patients bleed to death due to the delay in reaching the hospital. Raising the issue during the Zero Hour in Rajya Sabha, Bachchan demanded that the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health should also look into the issue of patient death due to the delay in reaching the hospital. In a country where groceries reach doorsteps in under 15 minutes, pizzas in 30 minutes via quick commerce platforms, patients bleed to death because ambulances get trapped in traffic, lacking dedicated emergency lanes, despite the Supreme Court's 2018 directive. No national data tracks these tragedies, Bachchan said. 60 per cent of ambulances arrive late, with urban delays averaging 15 to 30 minutes due to an absence of green corridors and police escorts, missing the golden hour for 55 per cent of accident victims. No dedicated lanes on highways, despite the National Ambulance Code 2016. These critical failures need to be taken notice of and dealt with immediately, she stated. She suggested an immediate nationwide mandate for dedicated emergency lanes, with AI traffic signals, prioritizing ambulances, 30-second green corridors, enforcing the Supreme Court's 2018 ambulance corridor directive via Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, penalties on violators, and a high-level probe into ambulance delay deaths. BJP MP Rekha Sharma demanded a gender-sensitive mental health facility for traumatised women in the country. She drew attention towards the severe shortage of accessible gender sensitive mental health support, particularly for survivors of violence, harassment and trauma. While the Modi government's initiatives, such as Tele Manas and district mental health programmes, are commendable, some gaps persist, especially in rural, marginalised, and low-income communities, she said, adding that lack of awareness and scarcity of trained professionals prevent countless women from receiving timely care. Survivors of domestic violence, cyber harassment, acid attacks, trafficking and workplace abuse frequently carry long-lasting psychological scars, she told the House. The mental health system that should support them remains fragmented and under-resourced, she pointed out. She urged the government to deploy dedicated women's mental health counsellors at centres, police stations, and hospitals, ensuring immediate and specialised assistance. Tele Manas outreach should be expanded and integrated with women's helpline, self-help groups, and Anganwari worker network, she said. Mizo National Front MP K Vanlalvena demanded the central government's intervention in the issue of income tax officials harassing tribals of Mizoram. He informed the House that tribals living in specified areas in Mizoram are exempt from Income Tax and should not be harassed by Income Tax officials. BJP MP Laxmikant Bajpayee demanded the setting up of more benches of the high court in Uttar Pradesh, referring to the high pendency of cases in the courts. Subhah Barala (BJP) demanded that the Central Pollution Control Board should carefully look into the issue of water pollution in the country from various sources, which is affecting the lives of people in the country. Sumer Singh Solanki (BJP) asked for government intervention to deal with the high rate of accidents on National Highway Number 3, Sendhwa in Barwani district. He pointed out incidents of road accidents in the Bijasan Ghat area, located on the border of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The MP demanded building a new road in the area to stop the high incidence of accidents in the area. Manoj Jha (RJD) demanded uniform minimum wages for skilled workers in the country, saying that these are less than what workers of Bihar get in Tamil Nadu or Kerala. AAP MP Swati Maliwal highlighted the issue of sand mining in Punjab and demanded an inquiry into the issue, saying this caused man-made devastating floods in the state this year. Amar Pal Maurya (BJP) demanded setting up an agricultural university in Pratapgarh district.

UP: Former IPS officer arrested in industrial plot allotment fraud case

LUCKNOW: The Lucknow Police on Wednesday arrested a former IPS officer in connection with an alleged case of fraud and forgery related to the allotment of an industrial plot in Deoria district in 1999, officials said. According to the police, the accused, Amitabh Thakur, allegedly misused his official position as the then superintendent of police of Deoria to facilitate the allotment of an industrial plot by the District Industries Centre, in the name of his wife, Nutan Thakur, by using forged documents and false identities. The plot was subsequently sold for alleged monetary gain. DCP (Lucknow West) Vishwajeet Shrivastava said a complaint in this regard was filed by Sanjay Sharma, a resident of Rajajipuram, under the Tal Katora police station limits in Lucknow. The complaint alleged that false names, addresses and forged documents, including application forms, affidavits, treasury challans and transfer deeds, were used to obtain the allotment, while Thakur allegedly extended protection and assistance by misusing his official position, the officer said. Based on the complaint, an FIR was registered on September 12, 2025, under sections 419, 420, 467, 468, 471, 34 and 120B of the erstwhile Indian Penal Code, and a special investigation team (SIT) was constituted by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (West), he said. During the probe, documentary evidence was collected from Deoria district, verification of the alleged false names and addresses was carried out in Bihar, and statements of witnesses were recorded, police said in a statement. On the basis of the evidence gathered, Thakur was arrested at around 3.45 am on Wednesday from the Maholi border in Sitapur district, officials said. He will be produced before a competent court in Deoria, as the alleged offence pertains to that district.

Bihar: Nitish Kumar asks officials to ensure timely completion of 428 projects worth Rs 50,000 crore

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has directed officials to ensure the timely completion of 428 development projects, collectively valued at Rs 50,000 crore. These projects were announced during his Pragati Yatra from December 2024 to February 2025.

Bihar BSSC Sports Trainer recruitment 2025: Registration window closes soon for 379 posts; check direct link to apply and key details here

Bihar Staff Selection Commission is hiring 379 Sports Trainers. Applications are open now. Candidates need a bachelor's degree and a sports coaching diploma. The last date to apply is December 14, 2025. Age limits vary by category. Visit bssc.bihar.gov.in for details and to apply. This is a great opportunity for aspiring sports professionals in Bihar.

Lessons from recent transport crises | Explained

In October, trains to Bihar experienced immense rush. In December, the mass cancellation of Indigo flights led to stranded passengers and inflated prices. Low prices of government services do not increase welfare unless accompanied by government investment, while deregulated prices only reduce welfare in the presence of monopolies

Bihar cabinet approves creation of three new departments

The three newly created departments are Youth, Employment & Skill Development, Higher Education, and Civil Aviation; DA hiked for employees, pensioners getting 5th & 6th pay

Ruckus in House over electoral reforms, SIR, Bihar poll results

NEW DELHI: The debate on electoral reforms in the Lok Sabha turned combative on Tuesday, with the Opposition targeting the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the Treasury benches firing back with the BJPs emphatic victory in the Bihar elections. Initiating the discussion, Congress MP Manish Tewari said the Election Commission has no legal basis to conduct SIR, and it must be stopped while making a slew of suggestions for election reforms, including mandating a 100 per cent counting of VVPAT slips or reverting to paper ballots. He also called for disallowing direct cash transfers to people ahead of polls and adding two members -- the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and the Chief Justice of India -- to the existing three-member panel to select the chief election commissioner and the two election commissioners. The Congress leader said the 2023 law stipulates that the panel to select the election commission and the two election commissioners should comprise the prime minister, the leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha and a Cabinet minister. Tewari said that BR Ambedkar ensured that the EC would be a permanent body. It was expected of the EC that it would work as a neutral umpire, but regretfully I have to say that many members sitting on this side (pointing to opposition benches) and many people feel the need to raise questions over its neutrality, Tewari said. Attacking the government, Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee said that the SIR exercise aims to delete electors, not authenticate them. Calling the exercise arbitrary, Banerjee asked, Why should an elector, whose name was there in 2024 (voter list), be told that he is not an elector because his name was not there in 2002? Deletion of voters, he said, would undermine the democratic process. Now, PM Modi decides through the EC who will be a voter. Insisting that nobody is above the law, Banerjee said the Supreme Court would have the final word on the legality of the ECs actions. Banerjee also criticised the poll authoritys approach on delimitation and the use of digital applications to verify family relationships in voter lists. Countering the charges, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said the SIR has been held multiple times since 1952 and is required to clean up electoral rolls, which change due to migration and rapid urbanisation. He accused Congress of engaging in vote theft since the first Lok Sabha elections, including rigging elections.

India on Reform Express drive, Modi tells BJP MPs

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the NDA Parliamentary Party on Tuesday that laws must never place unnecessary burdens on citizens. He said rules and regulations should exist only for peoples convenience, not to make their lives harder. According to a senior NDA source, the Prime Minister told MPs that the government has now entered a full-fledged Reform Express phase, where reforms are moving rapidly and with clear intent. He stressed that all reforms under the NDA government are entirely citizen-centric and not merely economic or revenue-driven, with the goal of removing everyday obstacles so people can reach their full potential. Reinforcing that making life easier for people is the central priority of his governments third term, Modi emphasised that the reforms being undertaken are meant to benefit ordinary citizens directly, not just improve systems on paper. Modi urged NDA MPs to bring forward the real problems faced by people so that the Reform Express can reach everyone. He strongly criticised the long-standing culture of lengthy paperwork, pointing out that it is time to end 30-40-page forms and unnecessary procedures. He underlined the importance of making sure services reach people at their doorstep and stopping repeated data submissions that waste time and energy. He also said that Ease of Life and Ease of Doing Business will remain top priorities for the government. Later, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju briefed the media on Modis message. He said the Prime Minister had given clear guidelines, stating that the most important focus in the governments third term is the Reform Express. Rijiju quoted Modi, saying, Whatever law is framed, it should have no provision which is harmful or causes inconvenience to any citizen. The rules and laws should not become a burden on the life of a common citizen. He added that rules must improve the system, not harass people, and that there should be no law which harasses people without any reason. Modi also reminded MPs that the government had shown trust in citizens by allowing self-certification, which has worked well for ten years without misuse. At the start of the meeting, Modi was felicitated for the NDAs Bihar victory. Sanjay Jha and Upendra Kushwaha garlanded him, and senior leaders, including Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah, and BJP president J P Nadda, were present.

5% DA hike for over 10L Bihar govt employees

PATNA: The Bihar cabinet on Tuesday approved a 5% hike in the dearness allowance (DA) for over 10 lakh government employees and pensioners and creation of three new departments, including one for employment and skill development. Government employees and pensioners receiving salaries and pensions under the sixth Central Pay Commission will now receive 257% DA instead of 252%. Similarly, those getting salaries and pensions under the fifth Central Pay Commission will receive 474% DA instead of 466%. These revised rates will be effective from July 1, 2025. The cabinet meet also approved the creation of three new departments to fulfil the promise of providing one crore jobs to youth. The new departments include the youth employment and skill development, higher education department, and civil aviation department. We set a target to provide employment to one crore youth in next five years (2025-30). For this, it is necessary that maximum youth of the state be given training for skill development and quality higher and technical education, CM Nitish Kumar said on X.

RSB Dehradun, NCT Delhi win via tiebreakers

Santa Cruz: RSB Dehradun secured a 4-2 win over Bihar Secretariat in a tie-breaker on Day 2 of the All India Civil Services Football Tournament at Santacruz ground. The match ended 0-0 in regular time, setting up a penalty shootout to decide the winner. RSB Dehradun held their nerve, with Abhishek Kandhari, Manish Maithani, Vijaypal [] The post RSB Dehradun, NCT Delhi win via tiebreakers appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Youth beaten to death in Kaimur district

Madhubani DM inspects adoption agency

Gaya ASI dies at ANMMCH

Liquor worth Rs 40 lakh seized in Gaya

Homeopathic research council conducts trials on 10 drugs

In an innovative step towards enhancing medical trust, Patna's Clinical Verification Unit is embarking on rigorous evidence-based research in homeopathy. Examining 10 specific drugs, this initiative focuses on groundbreaking trials for conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Urinary Calculi, and Early Haemorrhoidal Disease.

Manjhi alleges elite have easy access to liquor, while poor are targeted

In a candid critique, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has raised eyebrows over Bihar's prohibition regulations, arguing they disproportionately affect the less fortunate while affluent individuals easily indulge in premium alcohol. He pointed to collusion with smugglers, revealing that illicit liquor was discovered at his own home, situated conveniently near a police station.

HC upholds penalty on ex-DCLR for RTI delay

A former deputy collector in Patna faces a Rs25,000 fine from the High Court for failing to adhere to the RTI Act's requirement for timely information disclosure. The penalty, initially imposed by the State Information Commissioner, reflects the court's condemnation of the officer's lack of professionalism in handling public inquiries.

High Court relief to terminated TMBU employees

In a landmark ruling, the Patna High Court has overturned the termination of eight non-teaching staff members at Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University, declaring it a 'complete violation of natural justice.' The court mandated payment of back wages and reinstatement of benefits, underlining the essential principle of the right to be heard.

Woman constable dies by suicide in Kishanganj

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Constable Priyanka Kumar was discovered deceased in her rented home in Kishanganj on Tuesday evening, a suspected suicide. Authorities are exploring potential family disputes as a contributing factor to this tragedy, although no suicide note has been located.

AIMIM MLAs affirm unity after meeting CM

AIMIM Bihar's leader, Akhtarul Iman, has firmly quashed rumors about switching political loyalties following his recent discussions with CM Nitish Kumar. He stressed that their coalition is strong and any changes would thwart progress. The meeting, which included three AIMIM legislators, revolved around pressing local developmental needs and discussions on the establishment of a new army base.

Now, Rs10k reward for tips on illegal mining

In a bold move to tackle illegal sand mining, Bihar's Mines Department has unveiled a Rs 10,000 bounty for anyone who provides confidential information. Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha emphasized the success of ongoing initiatives that have led to significant revenue boosts, numerous raids, and the apprehension of offenders along with confiscation of equipment.

SUV chase leads to arrest, rifle seizure in diara area of Patna

CM for timely completion of six-lane Ganga bridge

In a recent push for development, Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has called on officials to fast-track the second phase of the Kachhi Dargah Bidupur six-lane project. This ambitious initiative promises to strengthen the links between northern and southern Bihar, significantly improving access to Patna while stimulating economic growth.

Cabinet clears youth skilling push, DA hike

In a strategic move, the Bihar cabinet has launched an innovative skilling initiative in partnership with NSE to empower students, while simultaneously establishing a specialized youth employment department to enhance career prospects. In a show of support for its workforce, the state has raised the dearness allowance for public employees and retirees.

Hit by truck, milk vendor dies in Patna

Gender-based violence rampant in state: Experts

On Human Rights Day, we confront the stark reality of gender-based violence affecting countless women worldwide, as statistics reveal that one in three women suffers from such abuse. In Bihar alone, reports indicate over 22,000 incidents, including domestic violence and dowry-related offenses.

Key member of paper leak gang held in Patna

In a significant breakthrough, the Economic Offences Unit of Bihar Police apprehended Sanjay Kumar Prabhat, an essential figure in Sanjeev Mukhiya's notorious solver gang, during a sting operation in Patna. Prabhat was already under investigation for his involvement in the BPSC TRE-3.0 examination paper leak.

Bihar Gramin Bank now serves 3.5 crore customers

With the recent merger of Uttar and Dakshin Bihar Gramin Banks, Bihar Gramin Bank has emerged as the state's leading bank, boasting the most extensive branch network and proudly catering to over 35 million customers. Commanding a robust 27% market share, this powerhouse is also championing financial literacy across Bihar, leveraging outreach programs in collaboration with Nabard to empower communities.

Bihar cabinet clears three new departments to drive youth jobs, higher education push

RANCHI: The newly formed Bihar cabinet on Tuesday approved the creation of three new departments to ensure better and effective implementation of its schemes and policies, aimed at providing jobs and employment opportunities to one crore youth over the next five years. For this purpose, three new departments, youth, employment and skill development, higher education, and civil aviation. have been created. These are in addition to the existing 45 government departments, cabinet secretariat departments additional chief secretary (ACS) Arvind Kumar Chaudhary told the media in a post-cabinet briefing. A total of 19 decisions were taken at the meeting chaired by chief minister Nitish Kumar. Notably, CM Nitish Kumar had on December 5 announced the creation of three new departments as part of his governments target to generate one crore jobs and employment opportunities in the next five years. Taking to X, CM Nitish said, We set a target to provide jobs and employment to one crore youth in the next five years (202530). For this, it is necessary that maximum youth of the state be given training for skill development and quality higher and technical education. Youth, Employment and Skill Development has been created for the all-round development of youth by equipping them with skills to improve employability. The higher education department will ensure quality education in the state, while the civil aviation department will focus on the expanding aviation sector and enhancing air travel services, the ACS said. The cabinet also rechristened the animal and fisheries resources department as the dairy, fisheries and animal resources department. Similarly, the labour resources department will now be known as the labour resources and migrant workers welfare department. The art, culture and youth department has been renamed art and culture department, Chaudhary added. DA hiked for employees, pensioners under 5th & 6th pay The cabinet approved a five per cent hike in dearness allowance (DA) for employees, pensioners, and family pensioners drawing salary or pension under the 6th Pay Commission. The DA has been increased from 252% to 257%, effective July 1, 2025. Similarly, DA for those under the 5th Pay Commission has been increased by eight per cent, from 466% to 474%, also effective July 1, 2025. New Directorate of MSME formed In another decision, the cabinet approved the industries departments proposal to rename the Directorate of Technical Development as the Directorate of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise (MSME) to strengthen the sector and make it globally competitive, the ACS said. Directorate of Mines & Geology reconstituted The cabinet also reconstituted the Directorate of Mines and Geology into two separate directorates the Directorate of Mines and the Directorate of Investigation. The Directorate of Mines has been further divided into two deputy directorates: mines and security. The restructuring is expected to speed up investigation processes, Chaudhary said, adding that certain posts have been created for the purpose. Gaya Ji & Munger declared Civil Defence Districts The disaster management departments proposal to declare Gaya Ji and Munger as Civil Defence Districts was approved. Fourteen posts have been created to support the move, which will strengthen strategic and internal security and improve response to natural and man-made disasters. The cabinet also approved the appointment of Mohammad Imdad Raza on compassionate grounds. Raza is the son of BSF Sub-Inspector late Mohammad Imtiyaz, who was martyred during Operation Sindoor. Other decisions The cabinet sanctioned Rs 400 crore for payment of electricity dues of urban local bodies to the two power distribution companies North Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd and South Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd -- for FY 202526. It approved the Bihar Dastavej Lekhak Anugyapti (Sanshodhan) Niyamawali 2025 (Bihar Deed Writers Licence Amendment Rules 2025), under which leprosy-affected persons will be eligible to obtain licences as deed writers. The move aims to support their social and financial empowerment. The finance departments proposal to sign an MoU with the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd (NSEIL) to empower youth and run the Student Skilling Programme was cleared. An MoU with the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Ltd (NIIFL) was also approved for assistance in various state projects. The cabinet approved a corpus fund of Rs 15 crore for the Valmikinagar Tiger Reserve Foundation/Trust. The foundation will utilise the amount for conservation and management activities. It also approved the constitution of the Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park Management and Development Society, which will oversee the parks upkeep. Additionally, the cabinet approved the Bihar Electronic Order (Issuance, Execution and Disposal) Rules 2025 and the Bihar E-Sakshya Prabandhan Niyamawali 2025 (Bihar E-Evidence Management Rules 2025). The e-summon rules will streamline digital processes, while the E-Sakshya rules cover electronic evidence, video conferencing, digital signatures, and the management of witness testimony under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

After AIMIM MLAs meet Nitish Kumar, grapevine in Bihar political circles on possible switch to JD(U)

After the three AIMIM MLAs, including State party president Akhtarul Iman, met Mr. Kumar in Patna on Monday (December 8, 2025) said they had gone to meet the Chief Minister to apprise him of concerns regarding their respective constituencies

SIR row: Can EC not decide presumptive stage of citizenship, asks SC

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked whether the Election Commission is barred from conducting an inquiry in case of a doubtful citizen and if an inquisitorial process fall outside its constitutional power. The observations were made by a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi during final hearings on a batch of petitions challenging the Election Commission's decision to undertake a special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across several states, including Bihar. During the hearing, Justice Bagchi took note of the relevant law and the vehement submissions that the citizenship issue cannot be decided by the poll panel, which has to consider that a person is an Indian citizen and is of the age of 18 years and more and residing ordinarily in a constituency. It was also vehemently argued that the citizenship issue cannot be decided by the poll panel, as the central government-appointed Foreigners' Tribunal can only decide. You say that the Election Commission has no power to declare a person as a foreigner or a non-citizen. But, it can doubt the status and refer the issue to the appropriate authorities. And the fact that it can doubt (the citizenship), inverts into itself the power to make an imposition of ensuring that...Can't the ECI decide the presumptive stage of citizenship, the judge asked. The petitioners argued that the revision exercise suffers from jurisdictional overreach, procedural irregularity, and an unconstitutional shifting of the burden of proving citizenship onto ordinary voters. It heard detailed submissions from senior advocates Shadan Farasat, P C Sen, and other counsel representing multiple petitioners opposing SIR. SC raps states for non-cooperation in SIR exercise; asks ECI to flag instances of threats to BLOs Farasat traced the constitutional and statutory framework governing electoral rolls and said Articles 324 to 329, along with the Representation of the People Act (RPA), form a single constitutional code enacted by the same Constituent Assembly functioning as the provisional Parliament. He submitted that adult suffrage under Article 326 requires satisfaction of only three conditions and they are Indian citizenship, attainment of 18 years of age, and absence of specific disqualifications. The RP Acts mirror these grounds but cannot create new grounds for exclusions from the electoral rolls. The Election Commission has no jurisdiction to prevent me from being on the roll or to knock me out of the roll, Farasat said, adding If the EC doubts my citizenship, that enquiry must lead only to a reference to the district magistrate. The determination can be made only by the central government or a Foreigners Tribunal. He said under the statutory scheme, citizenship is not a precondition for first-time inclusion, and the burden of proving non-citizenship always lies on the state. He added that once a person is already on the roll, strong presumptive value attaches to their status and the removal requires a full-fledged, independent determination, not an inquisitorial exercise by electoral officials. There is a difference between determination and inquiry. Can the ECI do an inquiry in case of doubtful citizens? The ECI is not saying that they have the right to declare someone as a non citizen...but will it be beyond the jurisdiction of ECI keeping in view it's Constitutional power to do a process which is inquisitorial in nature? Like where an inclusion looks highly dubious and thus makes the process streamlined, the bench asked. The senior lawyer said the Election Commission has no jurisdiction to prevent a person from being on the roll or to knock him out of the roll. Citizenship is a constitutional imperative. Section 19 of ROPA is enacted on the bedrock of Article 325. An illegal immigrant residing here for long..suppose more than 10 years...So should they stay on the rolls? To say that citizenship is presumed when residence and age is satisfied will be incorrect. It is not dependent on residence or age since citizenship is a constitutional requirement, the bench said. The manner in which the jurisdiction is being exercised by the poll panel must also conform to the constitutional imperatives of fairness and reasonableness, it said. When you say mass exclusion, when you say suspected foreigner status, when you say non-compliance with the rules under the statute, these do not really go into the fundamental constitutional power of superintendence. They relate to the way superintendence is being exercised, the bench said. So when the court examines the poll panel's power of superintendence, can it be said that the superintendence extends to the core constitutional requirement for the right to vote, namely citizenship, it asked. If it does not, and you would definitely say it does not, that is one thing. But if it does, then we understand what you are saying, which is that under the statutory schemes of the Citizenship Act and the Foreigners Act, the Election Commission has no power to declare a person as a foreigner or a non-citizen. But, it can doubt the status and refer the issue to the appropriate authorities, the bench said. The bench said the EC's power of superintendence under Article 324 must be exercised in line with constitutional norms of fairness and Article 14. The bench will continue hearing the remaining petitioners on December 11.

3 die, 10 hurt in Vaishali bus-autorickshaw collison

Judoka Ritik Sharmas KIUG Triumph Fuels His 2026 CWG Dream

Atal Bihari Vajpayee Indoor Hall: Since relocating to the SAI National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) in Bhopal six years ago, Ritik Sharmas career has experienced a rapid ascent. The young Punjab-born judoka once again highlighted his progress with a commanding performance at the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) Rajasthan 2025. Competing in his fourth KIUG at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Indoor Hall in Udaipur, Ritik, representing Lovely Professional University (LPU), secured his third gold medal, adding to his existing bronze. What made the victory more meaningful was the way he bounced back from a recent setback. Flying straight to Udaipur after a first-round exit at the Asian Open Championships in Hong Kong, Ritik wasted no time dwelling on the disappointment. Instead, he channelled the lessons from his overseas trip into a composed, confident performance, overcoming familiar rival Yash Ghangas in the mens +100kg final. The rivalry between Ritik and Yash dates back to their teenage years. The two first competed in the final of the 2020 Khelo India Youth Games in Guwahati, and even now, as products of the same NCOE, their matchups remain intensely competitive. There are a handful of judokas in our category, so we have known each other for years now. I beat him for the first time in the Guwahati KIYG, and Im glad that I could get the better of him in KIUG 2025 too, said Ritik, emphasising the need for more international exposure trips. Despite being out in the first round, I have come back with a lot of learnings and positives from Hong Kong. What also matters is the mental aspect of the sport, as such exposure trips help you in understanding how the world and Olympic champions approach the game, their techniques, and sparring with some of the best in the world, he added. Ritiks journey started far from Indias main sporting centres, in Gurdaspur, a remote border district in Punjab bordering Pakistan. Growing up, opportunities were scarce, with few organised sports programmes or training centres available. Yet in 2015, at the age of 14, Ritik found his passion for judo and dedicated himself to the sport with steadfast focus. Born to an ASI in the Punjab Police and the youngest of three siblings, Ritik began his initial training at the renowned Shaheed Bhagat Singh JFI coaching centre, which has produced over 50 international and 100 national-level judokas. The foundation he built there kept him steady even as he faced challenges on the global stage. Ritiks journey started far from Indias main sporting centres, in Gurdaspur, a remote border district in Punjab bordering Pakistan. Growing up, opportunities were scarce, with few organised sports programmes or training centres available. Yet in 2015, at the age of 14, Ritik found his passion for judo and dedicated himself to the sport with steadfast focus. Also Read: Live Cricket Score For Ritik, the lack of quality sparring partners in his weight class remains a major obstacle. However, he continues to push his boundaries and is now aiming for the next significant goal of breaking into the 2026 Commonwealth Games squad. Article Source: IANS

EC legally has no right to hold SIR: Congress MP Manish Tewari

NEW DELHI: Congress MP Manish Tewari on Tuesday claimed that the Election Commission legally has no right to conduct the SIR and it must be stopped, as he asserted that many Opposition leaders as well as people now feel the need to raise questions over the poll body's neutrality. Initiating a discussion on Election Reforms in the Lok Sabha, Tewari said the first election reform should be to amend the law of 2023 on the selection of the chief election commissioner and election commissioners. He said the law stipulates that the panel be comprised of the prime minister, the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha and a cabinet minister. It is my suggestion that two members should be added to this panel -- the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and the Chief Justice of India. If such a committee is formed then 'theek se khela hobega' and it will play an important role in removing the doubts over the Election Commission (EC), Tewari said. The Congress leader said that BR Ambedkar ensured that the EC would be a permanent body. It was expected of the EC that it will work as a neutral umpire, but regretfully I have to say that many members sitting on this side (pointing to opposition benches) and many people feel the need to raise questions over its neutrality, Tewari said. He said Article 327 gave rights to the Parliament to make laws for the voters list and delimitation. I have to say with regret that the Special Intensive Revision (of electoral rolls) is being discussed throughout the country. The SIR is happening in many states, but I am saying with a lot of responsibility that legally EC has no right to conduct SIR, Tewari said. There is no provision for SIR in Constitution or in law. This is just a right to EC that if there is any thing wrong with the electoral roll of any constituency it can correct it for reasons that need to be recorded in writing and made public. Only then you can conduct SIR, you cannot do SIR for whole of Bihar or the whole of Kerala, the Congress leader said. If you have to do SIR then do it separately in constituencies where there is a problem with the electoral roll after recording the problems in writing and then only it can carry out SIR. I would like to ask the government where are the reasons in writing, he said. Stop this SIR. There is no provision in law which allows the SIR to go ahead. You will say that were the SIRs conducted earlier illegal, to which my answer is that multiple wrongs don't make a right, he said. Tewari said that in India's democracy there are two stakeholders -- people who vote as electors and political parties that participate in the poll. Constitution makers ensured that every Indian above 21 years has a right to vote at a time when voting right was given on narrow principles in various countries. He said the biggest election reform was by then PM Rajiv Gandhi in 1988-89 by reducing the voting age from 21 to 18.

Watch: NDA MPs felicitate PM Modi for big victory in Bihar

UP Woman Marries Lord Krishnas Idol In Hindu Ceremony After Receiving A Gold Ring In Prasad

The UP woman visited the Banke Bihari Temple, where she received a gold ring and believed it was a gesture of acceptance from Lord Krishna himself.

NDA MPs felicitate PM Modi for big victory in Bihar

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was felicitated at a meeting of all MPs of the ruling NDA on Tuesday for the coalition's massive victory in the recent Bihar elections. Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah and J P Nadda, who is also the BJP president, were among those present at the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting held at the Parliament House complex here. Modi was garlanded by JD(U) leader Sanjay Jha and Rashtriya Lok Morcha chief Upendra Kushwaha -- both Rajya Sabha members. On Monday, a delegation of NDA leaders from Bihar called on Modi and congratulated him for the alliance's landslide victory in the state polls. During the meeting on Monday, the PM told the NDA MPs to work with more vigour for the welfare of the people after the ruling alliance's resounding victory in the Bihar assembly polls, saying with great victory comes great responsibility. In the 243-member Bihar Assembly, which went to polls last month, the NDA secured 202 seats, paving the way for JD(U) supremo Nitish Kumar to return as chief minister for the 10th time. Among the alliance partners, BJP won 89 seats, JD(U) 85, LJP (Ram Vilas) 19, Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) five, and Rashtriya Lok Morcha four.

6 Men Posing As Cops Rob Jewellery Worth Rs 15 Lakh From Teacher's Home

In a shocking incident in the Simratala police station area of Jamui district of Bihar, around six robbers dressed as policemen barged into the house of government school teacher Sanjeev Kumar, and looted jewellery worth nearly Rs 15 lakh.

NDA govt in Bihar will leave no stone unturned to live up to peoples expectations: PM Modi

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday asserted that the NDA government in Bihar will leave no stone unturned to live up to the expectations of the people of the state. Modis assertion came hours after he met the NDA MPs from Bihar in Parliament. After the historic victory in the Bihar Assembly elections, []

Two siblings die after consuming laddoos in Aurangabad, probe underway

8 days on, E Champaran boys cremation held back for justice

Rs 3 lakh snatched from fuel station employee in Muzaffarpur

Bihar to get traffic training institute, says Deputy CM

In an ambitious move to tackle traffic chaos, Bihar's Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary has unveiled plans for a dynamic traffic management overhaul. This initiative will see the establishment of a specialized training center for law enforcement and an increase in police workforce dedicated to traffic control.

Robbers posing as cops rob of valuables from teachers house in Jamui

In a shocking turn of events, a teacher's home in Jamui, Bihar fell prey to a bold daylight heist. Five men, masquerading as law enforcement officials, stormed the premises, brandishing batons and a forged warrant to execute a so-called forgery investigation.

Amid IndiGo crisis, rlys help desk becomes lifeline for stranded flyers

RJD functionary shot dead over money dispute in Muzaffarpur

An RJD youth wing president, Mantu Sah, was shot dead in Muzaffarpur on Monday by two unidentified assailants. Police suspect a monetary dispute led to the fatal attack, with the victim's father suggesting Sah had lent money to several individuals. Authorities have taken one person into custody for questioning and are examining CCTV footage.

Runway expansion at Patna airport stalled over land issue: Minister

Admission season kicks off in city schools

Muslims have right to build Babri Masjid, says JD(U) MP

In a spirited defense of West Bengal MLA Humayun Kabir's mosque foundation stone laying, JD(U) MP Kaushalendra Kumar asserted the importance of constitutional religious freedom. He clearly separated his party's stance from the BJP's condemnation of honoring historical figures like Babur, reiterating a commitment to constitutional values.

Rajgir ordnance factory gets bomb threat, multi-agency probe begins

A bomb threat email targeting the Rajgir ordnance factory, claiming seven devices planted and mentioning ISI and political links, has triggered a high-level investigation. The factory, a crucial producer of advanced ammunition, has been evacuated. Security agencies are working to trace the email's origin and assess the credibility of the dangerous threat.

IndiGo disruptions continue at Patna airport; 10 more flights cancelled

Patna HC acquits 95-year-old man in dowry case

Man who threatened Siwan MP and Barharia MLA held in Bengal

On Monday, a construction worker was apprehended in West Bengal for allegedly issuing death threats to Siwan JD(U) MP Vijaylakshmi Kushwaha and MLA Inderdeo Patel over a demanded sum of Rs 10 lakh. The threats, made from Chennai on December 3, appear to be a misguided attempt at garnering attention.

5 get life term in Aurangabad triple murder case

Posters across Patna demand Nishants entry into JD(U)

4 arrested for killing man over property dispute

Patna police have arrested four individuals, including a daughter-in-law, for the brutal murder of Ramesh Mahato over a property dispute. The victim was strangled and trampled to death on a bridge. The motive stemmed from the daughter-in-law's objection to property being willed to her husband's children from a previous marriage. The accused confessed to the crime.

Nitish calls for expansion of Buxar industrial hub

Uniform civil code can be model for other states, live-in rule to boost womens security: Uttarakhand CM Dhami

DEHRADUN: After breaking Uttarakhands decades-old political jinx in 2022becoming the first party to win back-to-back mandates since the states creationthe BJP under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has moved with renewed force, pushing landmark measures such as the Uniform Civil Code. As the state turns toward the 2027 Assembly polls, Dhami speaks to Narendra Sethi about his development roadmap and the strategy behind the BJPs bid for an unprecedented third term. Here are some excerpts from the conversation. As Uttarakhand completes 25 years of statehood, how do you assess your governments contribution to this development journey? Uttarakhand has completed 25 years. The people of this state have given the BJP the opportunity to serve for nearly 15 of those years. The 'real' development of the state has occurred during these 15 years. Revered Atal Bihari Vajpayee not only gave us a separate state but also provided a special industrial package early on. Following that, since 2014, the state has continuously received the blessings of Prime Minister Modi ji. The progress achieved over the last 11 years, driven by the cooperation of the Central Government, is visible to everyone. Currently, various projects worth over two lakh crore rupees are underway in Uttarakhand. Through these efforts, the states economy has expanded by 26 times, and the per capita income has grown 17-fold. Uttarakhands economy has surged from 14,501 crore at statehood to a projected 3,78,240 crore in 202425, with per capita income rising from 15,285 to 2,74,064. With the UCC, strict anti-cheating and anti-conversion laws, the states governance model is now gaining national attention. Your government has consistently performed strongly in local body elections. Do you anticipate this trend continuing in the 2027 Assembly polls? Yes, not just local body elections, but the BJP has performed spectacularly in every election held since 2022, including the Lok Sabha elections, Panchayat polls, and Assembly by-elections. Our governments performance and the strength of the BJP organization give us a clear edge in the electoral arena. The opposition lacks any substantive issues, nor is their organization capable enough. Therefore, we are unequivocally set to secure a clear majority in the 2027 elections. Critics argue that recent legislation, particularly the UCC, infringes upon religious freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution. How do you respond to these allegations of constitutional overreach? The government implements every law based squarely on its legislative authority. The people of this state granted the BJP a clear mandate in 2022 precisely to enable us to govern effectively. Therefore, how can any law passed by this Assembly be deemed unconstitutional? Has anyone in this state been prevented from conducting their personal religious or cultural activities as they wish? If not, how can the issue of violating religious freedom even arise? Such claims are propagated only by a few rootless 'professional agitators' whose influence extends no further than social media, having no traction in the real world or among the general populace. The BJPs decision-making process is renowned for its organizational strength. Where do you fit into this structure, and how do you view your role? In the BJP, decisions are made through a structured, long-term organizational vision. Every worker holds importance; no role is inherently small or large. As for my role, the people of Uttarakhand gave the BJP a renewed mandate in 2022a first in the states history. Following this, the party entrusted me, once again, with the responsibility of being the 'Chief Servant' of the state. Your government has been highly active in protecting the states cultural identity and security. How do you define the steps taken in this regard? Uttarakhand is the sacred land of the Char Dhams; divinity resides in every particle here, hence it is called 'Devbhoomi.' We are resolute in preserving this cultural identity. To this end, the government is strictly dealing with forced religious conversions and removing illegal religious structures. We aim to maintain the state's demographic balance. There is significant discussion and apprehension surrounding the Live-in Registration aspect of the UCC. What is your perspective? Live-in registration is a very small component of the entire UCC framework. Its primary function is to strengthen the social security of our sisters and daughters. We believe the Uniform Civil Code must be viewed in its entirety, not just through isolated points. The UCC is fully delivering on its stated objectives. By implementing the UCC, Uttarakhand has shown the way to the entire nation. How do you view this historic decision? The demand for a Uniform Civil Code has existed since before Indias Independence. Now, Uttarakhand has implemented it for all citizens as per constitutional provisions. This can serve as a model for other states; many have already formed committees to study its implementation. More than 10 months have passed since the UCC came into effect, and lakhs of people have registered under it without any issues. This clearly demonstrates that the opposition was rooted in a predetermined agenda, and their apprehensions have proven baseless over these ten months.

Bihars Verdict and the Strategy That Shaped It

Months before the first rally, Shah began laying the framework which included reviewing constituency data, anticipating risks, recalibrating social coalitions and ensuring BJPJD(U) coordination

PM Modi meets NDA MPs from Bihar; urges collective focus on development, fulfilling promises

NEW DELHI: In a show of unity and purpose, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Bihars NDA MPs on Monday at Parliament, marking their first interaction since the alliances historic win in the 243-member Bihar Legislative Assembly. During the meeting, the Prime Minister reviewed the NDAs commitments in the state and reiterated the coalitions shared long-term goal: achieving a Viksit Bharat by 2047. The MPs reportedly shared insights from the recent state elections, where the partnership between PM Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar gained prominence and was informally referred to as NiMo within NDA circles. PM Modi spent considerable time engaging with the MPs and agreed to a group photograph, with nearly 30 members from both Houses standing alongside him. In a post on X, the Prime Minister wrote, translated into English: After the historic victory in the Bihar Assembly elections, meeting the NDA MPs of the state at the Parliament House today filled me with new energy. I was extremely happy to see the determination of my family members in the state to make life easier. He said that Bihars double-engine government would leave no stone unturned in fulfilling the expectations of its people. MPs, speaking on condition of anonymity, said PM Modi encouraged them to act as servants of the people, not just as parliamentarians, and to work collectively to deliver on the promises made during the elections. - pic.twitter.com/abCWCoDMLG Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 8, 2025 Rajya Sabha MP Upendra Kushwaha noted that the meeting was also an opportunity for the MPs to express gratitude to the Prime Minister for the NDAs landslide victory. He said the people of Bihar had placed their trust in the NDA, guided by PM Modi and CM Nitish Kumar, to achieve a Viksit Bihar within a Viksit Bharat. The meeting also touched upon cultural issues, with an MP initiating a debate on Vande Mataram in the Lok Sabha, highlighting its patriotic significance. Other MPs noted that PM Modi remained particularly focused on Bihars development and urged all NDA MPs to work together as a family to deliver on the alliances electoral promises.